Human - Animal - Nature - Encounter

At the "Mathiashof" in Ellmautal in Fuschl am See, 20 people with physical and/or mental disabilities find a new home. The primary goal of this project is to enable the residents to live a needs-oriented and meaningful life on the farm in harmony with nature. The employment opportunities at Mathiashof are diverse and tailored to the degrees of disability and talents of the individuals. The care and therapy program includes daily living activities as well as work with animals. This project aims to guide people with disabilities towards a largely independent life.

Living at Mathiashof

Mathiashof allows residents to live in a barrier-free and accessible manner. The ground floor is equipped with spacious common rooms and serves as the center of the house. Here, clients and caregivers have access to work and therapy rooms as well as a large kitchen. On the 1st and 2nd floors, there are 15 single rooms with private bathrooms and toilets. A spacious living room with a breakfast kitchen on both floors invites communal living. The entire residential building is constructed using timber construction. The energy consumption of the building is optimized through active use of solar energy. The house also features an elevator that connects all floors.

Stable and Workshop Building

The divided building houses a small stable on one side and a workshop on the other. The employment opportunities are aligned with the abilities of the individuals as well as the necessities of a small agricultural operation. An important aspect includes working with animals and engaging in outdoor activities.

History of the Mathiashof Project

The idea of creating a nature-oriented home for people with disabilities originated in 2002 by the owners of Mathiashof. In 2004, the association "Naturwerkstatt Mathiashof" was founded, and a partnership was established with Caritas Salzburg in the same year to realize this idea. Construction began in the summer of 2007, the stable was occupied in January 2008, and the residential building opened in mid-May 2008. The first group started in October 2007 in temporary premises in Fuschl/See. The association supported Caritas's work until 2012. A1 exit Thalgau - B158 towards Bad Ischl